A one-hour time change might not seem like a big deal, but your body thinks differently.
When daylight saving time (DST) begins, many people experience disruptions in their sleep, health, and daily routines.
On Sunday, March 9, at 2 AM local time, clocks in the U.S. will move forward one hour. While most of us adjust within a few days, the change can have serious effects.
Studies show that heart attacks and traffic accidents increase after the switch to daylight saving time, according to biologist Erik Herzog from Washington University in St. Louis.
Why does daylight saving time affect our health?
Many people think losing an hour of sleep is the main issue, but the problem is deeper.
Herzog explains that DST forces your body out of sync with its natural rhythm. Your body follows the sun, not the clock.
When we change the time artificially, our bodies struggle to adjust. Pets, for example, still expect meals at the usual time because they rely on natural light, not a clock on the wall.
Our biological clock controls when we sleep, eat, and wake up. Morning light tells our body to wake up earlier, while evening light signals that it’s time to sleep later.
People who get more morning sunlight—such as those living on the eastern edges of time zones—tend to have better health, productivity, and overall well-being.
Scientific research suggests that staying on standard time year-round would be better for health, safety, and school performance.
There is growing support for eliminating the time change. Currently, 21 states are considering bills to adopt permanent standard time, which many scientists and doctors support. Missouri, for example, has three bills for permanent standard time and two for permanent daylight saving time.
Federal law allows states to stay on standard time permanently, but switching to permanent daylight saving time requires approval from Congress. Some lawmakers, like Senators Patty Murray and Rick Scott, have reintroduced the Sunshine Protection Act to make daylight saving time permanent nationwide.
If you’re dreading the time change, Herzog suggests avoiding artificial light on Saturday night before the switch. On Sunday and Monday, get plenty of natural sunlight in the morning. This will help your body adjust faster.
Until the U.S. makes a permanent decision, these small adjustments can help make the transition smoother for your body and mind.
Source: Washington University in St. Louis.
